IN-PERSON London. Section A

Abstract

In response to the evolving needs of expanding urban populations, the reassessment of the enduring impact left by exclusionary and autocentric design in cities becomes paramount. Transforming urban spaces into inclusive environments that promote well-being, social interaction, and economic opportunities necessitates understanding the adaptable capacity of the built environment. Yet, while adaptability gains momentum in academic and professional discourse, the connection between spatial adaptability in architecture and the urban sprawling that impact the liveability of cities remains unclear, with the current emphasis centred on the reuse of architectural components, rather tackling the issue building’s obsolescence in a wholesome fashion. This study proposes to reviews the professional literature to explore spatial adaptability in architecture, aiming to elucidate the current knowledge and understanding of what spatial adaptability is, and how it is connected with urban regeneration. By employing a mixed approach, the study captures insights and challenges. It further creates a ground to comprehend the trends in this growing area of the built environment, as well as the vocabulary employed to promote practices. The expected results would therefore propose a view on addressing the bottlenecks in implementing adaptability oriented measures in digital technology, smart planning and co-creative approaches. This analysis seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how architects and professionals conceptualise spatial adaptability and seeks to offer insights and a roadmap for planners, policymakers, and stakeholders.